N95 mask reuse in a major urban hospital: COVID-19 response process and procedure.

Background: The shortage of single-use N95 respirator masks (NRMs) during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has prompted consideration of NRM recycling to extend limited stocks by healthcare providers and facilities.

Aim: To assess potential reuse via autoclaving of NRMs worn daily in a major urban Canadian hospital.

Methods: NRM reusability was assessed following collection from volunteer staff after 2-8 h use, sterilization by autoclaving and PortaCount fit testing.

The pain experience of inpatients in a teaching hospital: revisiting a strategic priority.

For hospital executives and clinicians to improve pain management, organizations must examine the current pain experience of in-patients beyond simply measuring patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of pain among adult in-patients and the degree of interference pain had on daily activities. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken in a 530 bed tertiary care, teaching hospital in central Canada.

Nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management in hospitalized adults.

Background: Pain management is a key component of patient satisfaction and well-being in acute care settings. Nurses spend more time with patients than any other members of the health care team and play a major role in pain management.

Methods: This descriptive study in an urban tertiary care hospital explored the knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses regarding pain management.

Improving nursing shift-to-shift report.

In 2002, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority commissioned an external review for improvements to patient care. From this review arose the Achieving Benchmarks through Collaboration Project, which was composed of 32 projects and a number of subprojects. One such subproject dealt with the reconfiguration of the nursing shift-to-shift report.